The Peninsula Classics Best of The Best Award

(Above: Last Year’s winner of The Best of the Best Award)

The Peninsula Hotels announced on June 14, 2017, the eight outstanding automobiles also known as the top eight “Best of Show” winners that have qualified to compete for The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award: the international motoring world’s finest accolade for most remarkable classic car. Taking place in Carmel, California for a second year, the world-famous classic automobile event will have the nominees from eight of the top concours events from around the globe, ranging from the early production types to the mid-1950s Italian race cars. The winner of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award will be declared on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at a private dinner during the acclaimed Monterey Car Week.

Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, announced the award in 2015 with co-founder Christian Philippsen, William E. “Chip” Connor and Bruce Meyer. The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award became among the top automotive awards throughout the world, it was then known far-and-wide as a leading international motor car event for the ultimate classic car. This phenomenal award is sponsored by The Peninsula Hotels, and gathers together the eight concours circuits’ “Best of Show” contenders from all corners of the globe.

“We are delighted to return to Monterey Car Week this year to celebrate the world’s most exceptional motor car with The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award,” said The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie, co-founder of the award and Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, owner and operator of The Peninsula Hotels. “This has become the motoring world’s most prestigious award, which recognizes the masterful craftsmanship and finest attributes of the highest-ranking automobiles from within the concours circuit. Attention to detail, elegance, and tradition are all values that we hold dear at The Peninsula, so it is especially fitting for us to serve as the patron of this award.”

The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award, co-founded by Sir Michael Kadoorie along with classic car cognoscenti Christian Philippsen, William E. “Chip” Connor and Bruce Meyer, was created to honor the best of the automotive world: the classic automobiles and vintage Italian race cars that have proven to uphold their grandeur and style throughout the years. The founders all share a prodigious dedication and an aesthetic sense towards fine motor cars, while also keeping the preservation of their heritage and impeccable restoration projects in the highest regard.

The eight “Best of Show” winners and finalists in The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award to be under consideration for the award as the most exceptional classic car are as follows:

1952 Pegaso Z-102 Berlineta Cúpula: Amelia Island Concours de Sport

One of about 80 high-end sports to be produced by the Spanish automaker from 1951 to 1958, the Cúpula is famed for its radical styling. Only two Cúpula models with the oversized rear window, side exhausts and partially skirted fenders were ever built.

Arguably one of the most celebrated cars of our time, this exceptional vehicle is known for its exaggerated rear overhang, false louvres on the scuttle and dramatic front fenders. It was also the first of only five Berlinettas constructed on the 2900B chassis.

1938 Dubonnet Xenia Coupé by Saoutchik: Concours of Elegance UK

Developed by Andre Dubonnet, an inventor, racing driver and World War One fighter pilot, is famed for its aeronautical influence. The striking streamlined body features curved glass, sliding doors and a panoramic windscreen.

The Berlinetta-bodied sports car from Pinin Farina is considered to be the best preserved of the four models produced. Its uncompromising sporting style is highly representative of the coachbuilding artistry of the 1950s.

With an extraordinary place in Lamborghini’s history, this one-of-a-kind model was restored with great efforts to preserve the show car’s authenticity. It illustrates the iconic appeal of the Miura class, which has been widely revered as a forerunner of modern super sports models.

This model is distinguished by its curved side glass, a power top and its unusual basket-woven interior trim – a detail showing its exceptional elegance and craftsmanship. A testament to Pinin Farina’s design mastery, a long, bright trim on the side of the body wraps around the tail and dips toward the upper corner of the radiator grille.

This racing car represents one of only nine models produced. Pinin Farina was commissioned by Jim Kimberly to complete the masterful one-off now known for its glorious Kimberly red color.

The top 8 automobile contenders competing for The Peninsula Classics Best of The Best Award will be judged by 24 distinguished motorcar authorities, design specialists, and esteemed celebrities that are frequently present during various events and other motorcar related functions in the automotive industry. These world-renowned judges will include:

Anne Asensio, who has played an influential and executive role in the automotive industry for nearly 20 years and has won numerous accolades.

Chris Bangle, best known for his work as Chief of Design for the BMW Group, where he was responsible for bringing the designs of the BMW, Mini Cooper, and Rolls Royce into the 21st century.

Peter Brock, best known for his work on the Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe and Corvette Sting Ray, now leads his company Aerovault to manufacture aerodynamically efficient single-car trailers.

Ian Callum, Director of Design for Jaguar Cars.

Ian Cameron, previously serving as Design Director for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Brand Ambassador for BMW Group Classic, Cameron is now a retired aficionado who spends time working on classic cars.

Fabio Filippini, Former Chief Creative Officer at Pinin Farina, Filippini created many award-winning concept cars. His most recent works are the concepts Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pinin Farina and Hybrid Kinetic H600 by Pinin Farina, presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2017.

HRH Prince Michael of Kent, a paternal first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, has personal interests in autosport, aviation and travel. He currently holds the Presidency of the Royal Automobile Club, one of the world’s foremost private members’ clubs and the United Kingdom’s oldest and most prestigious motoring organization.

Jay Leno, acclaimed TV show host on CNBC Television series “Jay Leno’s Garage” which debuted in 2015; the show has garnered several Emmy Awards and nominations for Outstanding Special Class–Short-Format Nonfiction Programs.

Flavio Manzoni, automobile designer best known for his work at Ferrari, Lancia and Volkswagen. His latest work includes the F12 Tdf (Tour de France), the most extreme version of the F12 Berlinetta, the first Ferrari with four-wheel steering and the GTC4Lusso, introduced at the 2016 Geneva show.

The Earl of March, Charles, Earl of March is the eldest son of the Duke of Richmond, owner of Goodwood in West Sussex and founder of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival. A highly successful photographer, he is also President of the British Automobile Racing Club.

Nick Mason, former Pink Floyd drummer and classic car enthusiast. Despite his 50-year career as the drummer in Pink Floyd, Nick has managed to compete regularly in a wide variety of racing cars, including five times at Le Mans.

Ken Okuyama, is widely known for his work as Design Director for Pinin Farina S.p.A., where he designed and supervised projects such as the Ferrari Enzo and Maserati Quattroporte.

Adolfo Orsi Jr., well known auto historian and grandson and son of Adolfo and Omer Orsi, owners of Maserati between 1937 and 1967.

Rana Manvendra Singh, a member of the erstwhile royal family of Barwani in Madhya Pradesh, India, is a famed classic and vintage car expert in the country.

Ratan Tata, best known for his role as Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata group.

Dato Seri Jean Todt, is famed for having led Scuderia Ferrari to win 14 Formula One World titles and 106 Grand Prix victories before assuming several esteemed positions within the Ferrari-Maserati Group. He was also elected President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in 2009, and again in 2013.

Gordon Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Mercedes-Benz and all brands of Daimler AG. Under his leadership, the design philosophy of “Sensual Purity” was created, which is now being continually developed to define modern luxury and express an essential aspect of the brand.

Edward Welburn, retired from General Motors Design after 44 years of distinctive service, Welburn has recently received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the College for Creative Studies for his rich career in design. He has also been inducted in the prestigious Automotive Hall of Fame.

Following the announcement from last Tuesday, the winning automobile will be honored on stage at the 15th-annual “The Quail, A motorsports Gathering” on August 18, 2017. For additional information regarding “The Quail, A motorsports Gathering” visit: SignatureEvents.Peninsula.com

Tom is the Associate Editor at The Extravagant, using his expertise in the Luxury & Fashion Industry to assist our team in reporting on new and creative content for our readers. Tom is a frequent traveler having called 3 countries home in the last five years, most recently being Hungary. When Tom isn't working or traveling, he can be found practicing his swing at the driving range, enjoying a Cuban cigar, or attempting to prepare a culinary delight.